Starlink Direct vs. Telstra Starlink: Which One Should You Choose?
When considering Starlink as your satellite internet provider, you may wonder whether to sign up directly with Starlink or go through Telstra’s Starlink service. Both options bring high-speed satellite internet to remote and regional areas, but there are key differences that could significantly impact your experience.
Starlink Direct: The Uncapped Experience
Signing up directly with Starlink gives you access to the full capabilities of the Starlink network. This means:
- Uncapped Speeds
Starlink direct provides the highest speeds available from the Starlink satellites. Typical download speeds range from 50 Mbps to over 250 Mbps, depending on your location and network conditions. This uncapped speed ensures that you can fully enjoy seamless video streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks. - Simplified Hardware Setup
Starlink ships its proprietary hardware, including the Starlink dish and router, directly to you. The setup is straightforward, and the router is designed specifically to maximise Starlink’s performance and has the latest WiFi Technology for maximum performance, speed and coverage. - Price
While Starlink direct is approximately $15 more per month compared to Telstra’s offering, the value lies in unrestricted access to the network’s maximum speeds. - Installation Arrangements
Starlink does not include professional installation. Customers need to arrange for the setup themselves.
Starlink’s Hardware Price RRP is $549 + Delivery and then $139 for the Service Plan.
Telstra Starlink: Capped Speeds with Extra Hardware
Telstra offers Starlink as part of its satellite internet solutions, but there are some limitations to consider:
- Speed Caps
With Telstra Starlink, speeds are capped at 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload. This may suffice for basic internet needs, but it falls short for users requiring higher performance, particularly in households with multiple devices. - Additional Hardware
Telstra requires customers to use its own router alongside the Starlink hardware. This adds to the complexity of installation and may not fully leverage Starlink’s potential speeds and features. Also, the Telstra Hardware can have poor WiFi Performance, Coverage and Speeds when compared to the Starlink Router. - Bundling Options
One potential advantage of Telstra’s Starlink service is the ability to bundle it with other Telstra services. For some customers, this may be a convenient way to consolidate their telecom services, although it’s worth considering whether the trade-off in performance is worth it. - Installation Arrangements
Telstra does not include installation as part of their Starlink offering. Similar to Starlink direct, customers must arrange for installation themselves.
Telstra Charges $599 for the Hardware and $124 per month for the service plan.
Conclusion
For most users, Starlink direct is the superior option due to its unrestricted speeds and simpler setup. The extra $15 per month is a small price to pay for access to the full capabilities of the Starlink network. This is especially true for heavy internet users, large households, or those relying on high-speed internet for work or entertainment.
However, if you’re already a Telstra customer and your internet needs are modest, Telstra’s capped Starlink service might be worth exploring, particularly if you value bundling your services under one provider.
Choosing between Starlink direct and Telstra Starlink ultimately depends on your priorities. If speed and simplicity are your top concerns, Starlink direct is the clear winner. On the other hand, if bundling services and moderate performance are enough for your needs, Telstra’s option may be a viable alternative. In either case, remember that installation will need to be organized separately, regardless of the provider you choose.
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